Willie Glenn

Williams

Mr. Willie "Glenn" Williams was born on January 19, 1928, on Patterson Road in Griffin, Georgia. He was the fifth child out of the twelve children born to the late Jack and Mammie Williams. He rarely used his first name, so he was affectionally known and called by his middle name "Mr. Glenn".

He was educated in the Griffin School System in Griffin, Georgia, where he actively participated in sports. He played both football and baseball. His favorite sport was baseball, and he was a big fan of the Atlanta Braves. He played for an adult traveling baseball league named Griffin Giants.

Mr. Glenn was employed as a horticulturist by Georgia Experiment Station for many years during his youth. He began working at the Atlanta Gas Light Company at an early age. He was the first black person hired, which historically paved the way for many people who came after him. He was employed as a Locator by Atlanta Gas Light Company until he retired after 41 years. But even after retiring he was often called in to consult with them and many others within the community when there was a problem with anything gas-related. This could be anything from locating gas pipes in Griffin and the surrounding counties, assisting with gas appliances, and repairing gas lines.

Mr. Glenn accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age. He joined Mt. Ramah Primitive Baptist Church and was a dedicated Deacon for many years. Later in life, he joined the Pine Grove Primitive Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. He was dedicated and devoted to his Church and his Church family.

He enjoyed spending time with his huge family and friends in his leisure time. He rarely missed an event or get-together, but if he did it was typically due to a prior commitment, usually "church business". He was kind, soft-spoken, generous, funny, and a very sharp dresser. He loved telling stories about his experiences and the people that he had known throughout his life. Many of his stories were funny and he would laugh with tears in his eyes as he shared them. At the age of 96, his mind was still as sharp as ever. He continued to share stories and offer guidance on trusting God.

On Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 3:15 AM at the age of 96, Mr. Willie "Glenn" Williams departed this life at Brightmoor Hospice surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He entered the Heavenly Gates knowing that there would be no more sickness, pain, or suffering. He welcomed the everlasting joy of being with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by two sons: Tony Williams and Anthony Williams; one daughter, Brenda Williams; two brothers: Johnny Williams and J.L. Williams; and seven sisters: Emma Jo Piercy, Thelma Jones, Evelyn White, Josephine Dillard, Julia Mae Askins, Jessie Calloway, and Mary Williams.

Mr. Glenn leaves a strong and lasting legacy full of loving memories for his loving and devoted family. His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his children: Jackie Williams, Jeanette (Glynn) Daniels, Walter Williams, Angeline (Willie) Starks, Shirley Ellis, Gwen (Wayne) Giles; two sisters: Georgia Williams and Geraldine Martin; a special friend, Sister Lillian Bogan; 16 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Burden's Funeral Home. A Home Going Celebration will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Eighth Street Baptist Church located at 408 Palace Street. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service hour. Interment will follow in Griffin Memorial Garden. Elder R. Miller is the Eulogist.